Public Space Accessibility in Vulnerable Areas in Post-Covid Times

Area of Science:

• Urban Planning and Design
• Community Development
• Environmental Psychology

Background:

• Public spaces are crucial for urban well-being, offering physical, mental, and social benefits.
• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the necessity of accessible public and green spaces.
• Urban edges often lack adequate public space infrastructure, as observed in Paso del Norte, Chihuahua.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use and evolution of public spaces in the Paso del Norte community.
• To understand how residents utilize these spaces for recreation, education, commerce, and production.
• To identify how design can transform underutilized areas into valuable community assets.

Main Methods:

• Community surveys were conducted to gather data on the use and perception of public spaces.
• Analysis focused on changes over the past two decades, with a specific emphasis on the pandemic's impact.
• Qualitative and quantitative data were collected to understand user behavior and space transformation.

Main Results:

• Public spaces in Paso del Norte have evolved significantly, particularly in the last 20 years.
• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adaptation of these areas for diverse activities.
• Residents have repurposed green areas for recreational, educational, commercial, and productive uses, adding value to the community.

Conclusions:

• Underutilized public spaces can be revitalized through community engagement and strategic design.
• The transformation of these spaces demonstrates their potential to enhance urban living quality.
• Design interventions are key to addressing infrastructure weaknesses and maximizing the benefits of public spaces.